Aiden Brown listens as Tyler ISD board member Wade Washmon speaks during his solo graduation ceremony at Christus Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Tyler ISD held a solo graduation ceremony on Thursday May 28, 2020 for Early College High School (ECHS) Salutatorian Aiden Brown. Although his fellow ECHS graduating seniors will walk the commencement stage Thursday, June 4, Aiden will have to report for duty with the U.S. Army on Monday, June 1, missing the opportunity to celebrate his accomplishments in front of friends and family. Brown was able to give his speech and have it recorded to play at the school’s graduation next week.

Before he heads off to the Army on Monday morning, Tyler ISD’s Early College High School salutatorian Aiden Brown was honored for his accomplishments at a special ceremony just for him.

The ECHS graduation ceremony is set for June 4 at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. It appeared his military duty would prevent him from taking part in a ceremony. Through the efforts of Tyler ISD officials, Brown received the same recognition Thursday morning at the stadium among faculty and family.

Brown, 19, is ranked second in the class of students who at the same time earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Tyler Junior College.

He hopes to one day become a cardiothoracic surgeon, which specializes in surgical procedures of the chest area.

“I feel really honored and really accomplished like my hard work paid off,” Brown said. “It was a surprise to me and I’m really grateful that they set it up. It’s like finishing off on a good note before I go off on my own.”

He also delivered his salutatorian address, which was recorded to be played at the June 4 ceremony. In the speech, Brown acknowledged the dedication that’s required as a ECHS student.

“The journey for the graduating class of 2020 was nothing short of a memorable experience,” he said. “Early College High School was drastically different from the traditional high school having very limited extracurricular activities and a large focus on our academic education. While some would say this is a loss of high school experience, it only shows the resolve we have for making our futures brighter.”

Brown told his classmates that their future is bright.

“There is no doubt in my mind that everyone graduating here tonight has their future in their own hands and it’s good hands might I add,” Brown said. “It saddens me to know that I may never see some of these faces again; however, I take joy in knowing that we have each reached the pinnacle of our dedication over the last four years.”

Brown said he chose the Army to help pay for his education and to make a difference.

His mom, Laney Glover, said her son is humble about his accomplishments in front of others but he is also proud.

“I’m so excited and just honored that Tyler ISD has done this for him,” she said. “I feel like he deserves this because of all his hard work.”

On Monday, he will begin Army training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Over time, he will undergo training to become a licensed nurse, an officer and a physician’s assistant. He will then attend medical school to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, his dad, David Brown, said.

His mom and dad said he’s wanted to become a doctor for several years and considered fields like brain or emergency room surgery before choosing the heart field. Aiden Brown’s older siblings have enlisted in the Army as well.

“Since I was very little, the heart was very interesting to me. It’s really well-respected too,” Aiden Brown said.

Wade Washmon, Tyler ISD board president, said in seven years as a board trustee, he’s never been a part of such a unique ceremony. He commended Brown on his path to serve others in the military and medicine.

“Your commitment to serving others in the military and in the medical field is one that will yield delight after delight,” Washmon said. “It’s also fairly obvious that you’re a pretty bright young man being a salutatorian of one of the most rigorous programs we have in the district, which tells me you’re intelligent. You’re a hardworking person that understands the long-term rewards that come with short-term sacrifice.”